Oklahoma Burninates Game Law

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Another attempt to regulate game sales is found unconstitutional, but other states aren't deterred.

By Daemon Hatfield

Much to no one's surprise, a federal judge has issued a preliminary injunction blocking Oklahoma's game law from going into effect November 1. The bill, which would criminalize the sale of games containing "inappropriate violence" to minors, had been signed into law last June, immediately followed by a counter suit against the state issued by the Entertainment Software Association.

The injunction is not a final ruling, but it is likely the law will be deemed unconstitutional, as eight previous attempts in other states have been. The court noted that the law's description of "inappropriate violence" was unconstitutionally vague.

And so continues the pattern of states enacting laws restricting the sale of videogames, the ESA filing countersuit against the state, and the law being deemed unconstitutional by a federal judge. Are lawmakers growing tired of this song and dance? Apparently not, as a Kansas state representative yesterday told the Wichita Eagle of plans to enact his own videogame legislation if he is reelected next month. And as this is written, a judge in Florida is reviewing Rockstar's Bully to determine whether or not the game is a "public nuisance." We could have his ruling as early as this afternoon.